From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Swatch Group Sees Sales, Profits Sink
The maker of watches including Tissot and Omega reported an 11 percent drop in sales and a 52 percent decline in net income in the first half of the year.
Bienne, Switzerland--Swatch Group reported net sales of $3.76 billion in the first half of the year, which is a decrease of 11 percent, or 13 percent at constant exchange rates.
In the Watches and Jewelry segment, net sales declined 11 percent at constant exchange rates.
Net income was $267 million, which was 52 percent below last year.
Last week, Chief Executive Officer Nick Hayek said that the company’s sales might fall as much as 6 percent this year, a turnaround from the prediction of sales growth at the beginning of the year.
While the company has struggled thus far in 2016, Swatch Group said Thursday that it has seen double-digit growth in retail sales in mainland China and Southeast Asia. Additionally, the first three weeks of July have shown marked improvement in mainland China from last year’s figures.
In Hong Kong, wholesale is faring badly, while poor retail sales have “bottomed out.”
Looking toward the second half of 2016, Swatch Group said it expects better results that will even out with 2015 due to last year’s weak second half.
The group anticipates growth in Europe, particularly Spain and Italy as tourism in those countries increases.
Swatch Group also expects to get a boost from sporting events, including the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Brazil, at which Omega serves as official timekeeper. Omega is releasing nine watches specifically for the Games.
Tissot is the official timekeeper for the Tour de France, in honor of which it has also launched a new model, and has a new NBA collection as well.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.























